Let’s Go Fly A Kite

Easter Sunday was a glorious day, full of praise and worship, and family and friends. I had cooked a huge meal of roast, potatoes, carrots, green beans, homemade bread, and strawberry shortcake (with real whipping cream!). My parents were there and we watched my children hunt eggs filled with candy and money. You can see them in the picture, looking through their stash, and counting their money.

We then walked to a nearby school and flew kites. It was my daughter-in-law’s idea and it was so much fun! We hadn’t flown kites in forever and enjoyed the peace and relaxation it brought. You can’t be too close to those around you, because you don’t want your strings to tangle, so it left you alone with the kite and the wind. Lots of thinking time.

Of course, I immediately started thinking about new stories whirling in my mind. At one point, I laid down in the grass and watched my kite high above, and wondered what other kinds of things I could do to get my mind focused on stories. What kind of activities give your mind time to create?

Kite flying

Swinging on a porch swing or hammock

Take a walk

Ironing ( I know…yuck, you say. Well, I say yuck too!)

Washing dishes

Cleaning the closet

Driving (this can be very dangerous…I’ve thought about stories while driving and then realize I don’t remember the last few miles of driving!)

Taking a walk gets my creative juices flowing. I live in a historic Gold Rush town in the Sierra Foothills of California, and my walk to town takes me past stately Victorian homes dating back to the 1800s. Our Main Street boasts several brick and rock-walled shops that have been around since the 1850s. Since I write historicals set in this area, my walks transport me back in time, and I return home ready to write.

I make dog food every Sunday afternoon – it takes two hours, and in that time I can usually hash out a plot problem or a completely new idea. One of my best brainstorming times. And the time I spend cooking dinner or cleaning every night seem to be good brainstorming sessions too – so I guess you could say my kitchen inspires me. LOL

Krista, lol, so WHEN do you ever get any book ideas! I get the feeling you are NEVER alone! 😉

Linda, oh goodness, it's scary to space out while driving. I wonder what the statistics are for author/writer wrecks?

CJ, I have found ironing to be a good time…as well as cleaning the kitchen. Mindless work does well for me.

Marybeth! Hey girl! Missed you! Movies and books have worked for me too!

Julie, the playground!!!! I totally forgot about that. I wasn't writing when my kids were little, but yes, the playground would be a GREAT place.

Tamika, I live in Texas, and while overcast, the day was perfect for flying kites!

Oh Keli, what an idyllic walk! I love old homes…it stirs up the imagination, for sure! 😉

Erica, I forgot about history books! For historical writers, that is a must, isn't it!

Susan, journaling is an excellent time to brainstorm. I have a prayer journal, but that is mainly for prayers and pouring out my heart…not playing with ideas. I should try that though!

Jan, I LOVE old movies! I just got Netflix and the free streaming has me addicted! There are soooo many great movies to watch!

Margaret, lol, of COURSE the best times are when you can't write them down! lol You are funny!

Jamie, you make your own dog food??? Why???? lol I'm sure it is alot tastier and healthier for your dog, but goodness, I bet it takes some time! Of course, if you are getting great story ideas while doing it, then it would be worth it! 🙂

Patti! How cool you wrote about kite-flying this morning! I bet it was a great scene! 🙂

Janna, I'm sure you have lots of other times you find great story ideas!

I just got more ideas on how to stimulate the story-telling section of my brain! I tend to find story ideas from direct and over-heard conversations from other people. I find the mall (and we have one of the world largest in my town that gets visitors from all over) a great place to create!